Morcombe's accused killer to stand trial

Date: February 07 2013

Christine Flatley

The man who allegedly confessed to killing Daniel Morcombe has been committed to stand trial for his abduction and murder.

Brett Peter Cowan, 43, was arrested in August 2011, three days after he allegedly told an undercover police officer that he panicked and killed Daniel after the teenager struggled as he tried to molest him.

Cowan was charged with murder, child stealing, deprivation of liberty, indecent treatment of a child and interfering with a corpse.

This week he faced the second part of his committal hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where police witnesses gave evidence about the alleged confession.

During a conversation with the officer on August 9, 2011, Cowan allegedly said he abducted Daniel and then tried to molest him before killing him and dumping his body in bushland.

On Wednesday, defence lawyer Michael Bosscher said he conceded there was a strong enough case to send the matter to trial in the Supreme Court.

Cowan remained stony-faced in the dock on Thursday as Chief Magistrate Brendan Butler read out the charges in full and committed him.

"Do you wish to say anything or enter any plea?" Mr Butler asked.

"No sir," Cowan replied.

Outside court Cowan's lawyers said he would fight the charges and the matter would go to trial.

They indicated Cowan would seek bail before then.

Daniel's parents, Bruce and Denise, said they were relieved to have reached the next step in the process of getting justice for their son.

"It's a huge step in the right direction, there's no question of that," Mr Morcombe said.

"We look forward to the trial and to see what happens from there."

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